Thank you, Rachel, for the candid thorough review of the pattern itself. I appreciate you being frank about it. I knit to relax not to have to fill in blanks of a vague ambiguous pattern. Your finished Isa Cardigan is lovely. I'm glad it all worked out for you! Happy Knitting. ❤
I really appreciate your candor. Constructive criticism is how we grow as creatives and makers of any kind and it isn't something we should shy away from. Love your podcast & can't wait to see what you make next!
Thanks for this candid review. Your cardigan is beautiful! Think I will eventually make this pattern and will feel informed and well equipped to avoid pitfalls because of your detailed review. Thanks, you rock!
Thank you for a great podcast! I love your attitude towards your knits, you always bring a smile to my face every time I watch you. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much for this. As an adventurous beginner its useful to hear that more advance knitters have problems with Gauge and reading patters. The cardigan is gorgeous!
Thank you Rachel. I think you have voiced some of the concerns that many of us have had with patterns we have purchased. I have come to the conclusion that with ANY pattern I purchase I will have to make some sort of adjustment (either minor or major) to better fit my own preferences, or disappointingly, to correct some error/lack in the pattern itself. That being said, I realise designers are human and it is not always possible to think of, or pick up every little thing that could cause an issue. I have been knitting for decades, but I think the most valuable skill I have ever learned as a knitter is to have the confidence to make changes/adjustments where I feel there is a need, regardless of what I am knitting. I think your review was very balanced, clear, and honest. I love that you were able to work through the issues you encountered and end up with a delightful finished garment! Hugs from Down Under …. 🥰🌴🌴🌴
Thank you! Yes, I agree. Part of the allure of making our own clothes and accessories is being able to adjust them to our individual preferences. Of course it's preferred if the pattern doesn't need adjustments in order to work in the first place! But it's nice to have the skills to fill in that gap when we encounter it.
One of the things I try to do when giving feedback is check in with myself about whether I'm calling someone in or calling them out. It was very clear that you're calling the designer IN to improve the pattern for a wonderful garment in all other ways! Especially with accessibility issues, calling people in when they've left something out is really important (for example having the schematic you mentioned or various readability issues).
I love your honesty! And I agree with the readability and intuitiveness (is that a word lol) in this designers patterns seems to be just how it goes. I love her designs though so it’s a bit of both. Not a relaxing knit when you have to have your brain on and alert to take sure things are going right. Your FO is just beautiful!
Yes, thank you! Sometimes more challenging knits like this one are just what is needed, but it's my preference when the pattern isn't what causes the obstacles.
From a 60 year plus knitter, thank you for these wonderful glimpses into your knitting etc life. I love the fact that you use words to make sentences and use big words too. And your beautiful sense of humor. I think you are the daughter I never had!
Rachel, I appreciate you reviewing this pattern. Your honest opinion is respected and very much appreciated. Although your finished Isa cardigan is gorgeous, the pattern is currently priced at $10.50 (USD), which is excessive considering how inconsistent the pattern is.
Sounds like an interesting pattern. I’ve never knit a cardigan by picking up the stitches at the sleeve and knitting in the round to the cuff. But it makes sense when you think about it.
Rachel, when you show the clip of you modeling the FOs? It's one of my favorite things in your episodes as well 😄 You really are a funny woman! (And your Iza is lovely. I think it really glows when you wear it with dark or darker hues underneath as you did in this episode.)
Rachael, I really enjoyed your informative vlog. It’s really helped. I am a long time knitter; knitting sweaters for my husband and grandchildren. BUT, never have felt that my own knits fit well, except socks and accessories. I’ve learned about upper bust measurement as a starting point for choosing a size. I am busty, but if I choose a size to fit my full bust, everything is too big. It’s so disappointing. Also many sweaters have huge ease, which really is unattractive on my form. I am still trying though. And I agree, every pattern needs a schematic.
Your reviews are always so well done. This was really validating for me. I've had to frog the start of the Ola Cardigan by Vert and Rose 3 times since casting on Tuesday. At this point, more attempts would be wasting yarn (you have to make several cuts to set up the saddle shoulder) and the writing for the short row section made me want weep. Aleksandra's designs are beautiful but the confusing pattern layout, sparse instruction, and lack of visual aids like schematics or diagrams are too high a hurdle for my current knitting experience. I think I’ll just knit a basic cardigan pattern from my library and combine it with the cable chart and ribbing detail of the Ola
This is good to know! I had the Ola Cardigan on my radar, but was hesitant to pull the trigger and buy the pattern after my experience knitting the Iza. I love the FO of the Iza so, so much, but I don't know if I'm ready for another knitting experience like I had with this sweater just yet.
Thanks for this video, I was looking forward to watching. I 100% agree that the schematic should be able to be viewed on Ravelry prior to purchase. I'm really on the fence I was excited by this FO and want to also make it, but I'm just concerned that I'm going to run into some issues if things need to be adjusted. I've been knitting for 4 years, but I don't have a lot/any experience modifying a pattern. Hmm.. idk what to do. I really love the way the FO looks, maybe I'll go for it and hope I can figure it out.
Was ready to buy the pattern and cast on, based on your love for the finished garment. But I am not skilled enough to find and fix all of the pattern issues you brought up. One would think a GOOD tech editor might have found them...
Good review. If I am going to spend my hard earned money on a pattern that is for sale on a website I expect several things to have been done. After looking at this pattern on Ravelry, It doesn't look like there was test knitters nor that the pattern was tech edited, possibly English is not the first language and in it being translated, the parts that do not make sense come about. For these reasons and the ones you mentioned I also do not think this can be called a beginner pattern. Although its in my queue I am not sure I would knit it now. Again a real good review thank you.
Ugh! I’ve had the same issues with the past 2 sari nordlund patterns I’ve knit. One is finished and beautiful and I love it. The one I’m knitting now it also beautiful but pattern issues! No schematics, awful, hate that. Charts and edging stuff at opposite ends of the pattern, such a pain. Cardigan looks amazing tho!
I wish you would knit the cardigan I’m struggling with . I picked one that is too advanced for my skills, and to top it off , I’ve been told by someone with more expertise in knitting , that the pattern has many errors.. lovely 🙄😬. I need a tutorial ..I’m a visual knitter , reading patterns or deciphering them , I’ve found, is not my thing. Knitting is supposed to be for pleasure , not tears 😢 and there have been many . You might ask, why don’t you just frog it ?! Well... my sister bought the yarn 🧶 and it’s for her ..and yarn was pricy ! .Lon a happier note : Sensory enriching buttons you want to eat😂. Yay 💜
My bugbear is that so many people only talk inches. THe rest of the world is metric. I think designers need to conclude both if they want to be considered professional and inclusive.
You are on of the few that point out flaws in a pattern This all should have been caught by the testers and tech editor Not everyone should be a knit ware designer Compare to petit knits or andera mowery or ozetta or sari nordland I have had 2 patterns that had so many issues that when designer refused to answer questions I got a refund FYI no tutorials I also sent an email to ravery with a not our problem
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you, Rachel, for the candid thorough review of the pattern itself. I appreciate you being frank about it. I knit to relax not to have to fill in blanks of a vague ambiguous pattern. Your finished Isa Cardigan is lovely. I'm glad it all worked out for you! Happy Knitting. ❤
Thanks for watching!
I love your candor. It's helpful for knitters of different skill levels to get that perspective!
Thank you!
Congratulations on the Iza-it looks great. And, yes, the sweater reveals always crack me up 😁
Thank you!! 😊
You showing off your knits is absolutely hilarious, and you are right to think so. Thanks for another great review!
I really appreciate your honest opinion ❤❤❤
Thank you! I appreciate that a lot.
Great podcast, yet again! I especially love when you model the finished objects. Go Rachel!
Yay, thank you!
I really appreciate your candor. Constructive criticism is how we grow as creatives and makers of any kind and it isn't something we should shy away from. Love your podcast & can't wait to see what you make next!
Thank you so much!
You are awesome! Thoughtful review with appropriate suggestions. And yes, that sweater looks fantastic on you.
Thanks for watching!
I freally appreciate your nuanced review oc this pattern, especially loving the finished product but telling us the difficulties along the way.
Thank you!
Thanks for this candid review. Your cardigan is beautiful! Think I will eventually make this pattern and will feel informed and well equipped to avoid pitfalls because of your detailed review. Thanks, you rock!
Thank you for a great podcast! I love your attitude towards your knits, you always bring a smile to my face every time I watch you. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for this. As an adventurous beginner its useful to hear that more advance knitters have problems with Gauge and reading patters. The cardigan is gorgeous!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Rachel. I think you have voiced some of the concerns that many of us have had with patterns we have purchased. I have come to the conclusion that with ANY pattern I purchase I will have to make some sort of adjustment (either minor or major) to better fit my own preferences, or disappointingly, to correct some error/lack in the pattern itself. That being said, I realise designers are human and it is not always possible to think of, or pick up every little thing that could cause an issue. I have been knitting for decades, but I think the most valuable skill I have ever learned as a knitter is to have the confidence to make changes/adjustments where I feel there is a need, regardless of what I am knitting. I think your review was very balanced, clear, and honest. I love that you were able to work through the issues you encountered and end up with a delightful finished garment! Hugs from Down Under …. 🥰🌴🌴🌴
Thank you! Yes, I agree. Part of the allure of making our own clothes and accessories is being able to adjust them to our individual preferences. Of course it's preferred if the pattern doesn't need adjustments in order to work in the first place! But it's nice to have the skills to fill in that gap when we encounter it.
“I dropped my phone… I didn’t fart or anything” ICON 😂🙌 I wish we could hang out lmao.
had to set the record straight 😂😂😂
One of the things I try to do when giving feedback is check in with myself about whether I'm calling someone in or calling them out. It was very clear that you're calling the designer IN to improve the pattern for a wonderful garment in all other ways! Especially with accessibility issues, calling people in when they've left something out is really important (for example having the schematic you mentioned or various readability issues).
Thank you for this!
Your cardigan looks terrific on you!
Thanks, I'm so happy with how it turned out!
I love your honesty! And I agree with the readability and intuitiveness (is that a word lol) in this designers patterns seems to be just how it goes. I love her designs though so it’s a bit of both. Not a relaxing knit when you have to have your brain on and alert to take sure things are going right. Your FO is just beautiful!
Yes, thank you! Sometimes more challenging knits like this one are just what is needed, but it's my preference when the pattern isn't what causes the obstacles.
From a 60 year plus knitter, thank you for these wonderful glimpses into your knitting etc life. I love the fact that you use words to make sentences and use big words too. And your beautiful sense of humor. I think you are the daughter I never had!
Thank you so much!
Rachel, I appreciate you reviewing this pattern. Your honest opinion is respected and very much appreciated. Although your finished Isa cardigan is gorgeous, the pattern is currently priced at $10.50 (USD), which is excessive considering how inconsistent the pattern is.
Thanks for letting me know!
Sounds like an interesting pattern. I’ve never knit a cardigan by picking up the stitches at the sleeve and knitting in the round to the cuff. But it makes sense when you think about it.
How do you usually knit cardigans? Now I'm curious!
Rachel, when you show the clip of you modeling the FOs? It's one of my favorite things in your episodes as well 😄 You really are a funny woman! (And your Iza is lovely. I think it really glows when you wear it with dark or darker hues underneath as you did in this episode.)
Thank you! I like the contrast as well.
Rachael, I really enjoyed your informative vlog. It’s really helped. I am a long time knitter; knitting sweaters for my husband and grandchildren. BUT, never have felt that my own knits fit well, except socks and accessories. I’ve learned about upper bust measurement as a starting point for choosing a size. I am busty, but if I choose a size to fit my full bust, everything is too big. It’s so disappointing. Also many sweaters have huge ease, which really is unattractive on my form. I am still trying though. And I agree, every pattern needs a schematic.
I think that upper bust is what I need to start going by as well.
Your reviews are always so well done. This was really validating for me. I've had to frog the start of the Ola Cardigan by Vert and Rose 3 times since casting on Tuesday. At this point, more attempts would be wasting yarn (you have to make several cuts to set up the saddle shoulder) and the writing for the short row section made me want weep. Aleksandra's designs are beautiful but the confusing pattern layout, sparse instruction, and lack of visual aids like schematics or diagrams are too high a hurdle for my current knitting experience. I think I’ll just knit a basic cardigan pattern from my library and combine it with the cable chart and ribbing detail of the Ola
This is good to know! I had the Ola Cardigan on my radar, but was hesitant to pull the trigger and buy the pattern after my experience knitting the Iza. I love the FO of the Iza so, so much, but I don't know if I'm ready for another knitting experience like I had with this sweater just yet.
Great button hole tip
Thanks for this video, I was looking forward to watching. I 100% agree that the schematic should be able to be viewed on Ravelry prior to purchase. I'm really on the fence I was excited by this FO and want to also make it, but I'm just concerned that I'm going to run into some issues if things need to be adjusted. I've been knitting for 4 years, but I don't have a lot/any experience modifying a pattern. Hmm.. idk what to do. I really love the way the FO looks, maybe I'll go for it and hope I can figure it out.
If you're really in love with the look, go for it! Slow and steady, and you can tackle lots of obstacles you face with knitting.
I’m wondering if there was a technical editor for the pattern
I’m not sure
This sweater is beautiful... But I'm not advanced for all of those adjustments.
Fair enough!
Was ready to buy the pattern and cast on, based on your love for the finished garment. But I am not skilled enough to find and fix all of the pattern issues you brought up. One would think a GOOD tech editor might have found them...
I totally understand! It's a lovely FO, but the knitting process was not without its issues.
What is the name of the gadget you described in an earlier podcast that is good for a piling problem in our knitwear?
That would be the Gleener fabric shaver!
As an experienced knitter do you reach out to the pattern designer with concerns about the pattern?
Sometimes! It depends on what relationship I have with the designer.
Good review. If I am going to spend my hard earned money on a pattern that is for sale on a website I expect several things to have been done. After looking at this pattern on Ravelry, It doesn't look like there was test knitters nor that the pattern was tech edited, possibly English is not the first language and in it being translated, the parts that do not make sense come about. For these reasons and the ones you mentioned I also do not think this can be called a beginner pattern. Although its in my queue I am not sure I would knit it now. Again a real good review thank you.
Thanks! I'm glad that this was helpful for you.
Ugh! I’ve had the same issues with the past 2 sari nordlund patterns I’ve knit. One is finished and beautiful and I love it. The one I’m knitting now it also beautiful but pattern issues! No schematics, awful, hate that. Charts and edging stuff at opposite ends of the pattern, such a pain. Cardigan looks amazing tho!
That is so frustrating!!!
Beautiful job on a beautiful girl.
Thank you! 😊
I wish you would knit the cardigan I’m struggling with . I picked one that is too advanced for my skills, and to top it off , I’ve been told by someone with more expertise in knitting , that the pattern has many errors.. lovely 🙄😬. I need a tutorial ..I’m a visual knitter , reading patterns or deciphering them , I’ve found, is not my thing. Knitting is supposed to be for pleasure , not tears 😢 and there have been many . You might ask, why don’t you just frog it ?! Well... my sister bought the yarn 🧶 and it’s for her ..and yarn was pricy ! .Lon a happier note : Sensory enriching buttons you want to eat😂. Yay 💜
I hope that the experience turns around for you! It's so sad when our knits bring more frustration than joy.
@@rachelisknitting truly. I’m getting help from a local knit shop . I just hope she doesn’t get sick of me. It’s a huge learning curve for me.
My bugbear is that so many people only talk inches. THe rest of the world is metric. I think designers need to conclude both if they want to be considered professional and inclusive.
I agree! Both are important.
You are on of the few that point out flaws in a pattern This all should have been caught by the testers and tech editor Not everyone should be a knit ware designer Compare to petit knits or andera mowery or ozetta or sari nordland I have had 2 patterns that had so many issues that when designer refused to answer questions I got a refund FYI no tutorials I also sent an email to ravery with a not our problem
Frustrating!